Intelligence and IQ 7.5 credits
About the course
The course provides essential knowledge about the concept of intelligence and its significance from a broad differential-psychology perspective. Principal features of the present state and more than 150-year history of intelligence research are described, with central terms like psychometric intelligence, general intelligence (g), intelligence quotient (IQ), and cognitive ability. Students will become acquainted with the dominating models of psychometric intelligence and will discuss different definitions of intelligence. One main theme is validity and reliability, with respect to associations and causal relations between psychometric intelligence and outcomes, such as educational- and career success, physical and psychological health, and social relations. Another main theme is environmental and genetic factors that affect intelligence, and how they are related to the Flynn effect and its contrast; decreasing IQ in several countries. Critical arguments against both the concept of intelligence and its measurement are also discussed.
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Autumn 2025
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Intelligence and IQ
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
Autumn 2025 / Varied / English / Web-based (online)
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Starts1 September 2025
Ends2 November 2025
Number of credits7.5 credits
Type of studiesWeb-based (online)
Mandatory meetings1
Other meetings10
Study pace50%
Teaching hoursDaytime
Study locationVaried
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-21229
Outline for distance courseAll meetings take place digitally, i.e. none of the meetings are held on site in Umeå.
Eligibility 90 credits psychology or cognitive science or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.Selectionacademic credits
ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 12,075
Total fee: SEK 12,075
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How to apply
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Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
More about application and admission
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